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China's FAW now building all three Mazda6 generations

The Chinese auto market is one of the most interesting in the world to look at. Its automakers appear to still be figuring things out and remain open to experimentation. For example, at this moment, you can buy new copies of all three generations of the Mazda6 from showrooms there.
Mazda joint-venture partner FAW recently introduced the latest generation to China as the Mazda6 Atenza, according to Just Auto. Yet buyers still have the option of getting the previous generation as well, which is sold as the Mazda6 Ruiyi. Obviously, that isn't too remarkable - companies in the US have briefly sold two generations of the same nameplate simultaneously for brief points in the past, and the practice is much more common in developing markets. However, Chinese consumers still have the third choice, too - the first-generation model that dates back to the early 2000s, is still on offer, known simply as Mazda6.
While it would be hard to imagine selling three generations of the same models at once in the US, the idea is an interesting one. We enjoyed our long-term test of the latest generation, and the previous models weren't bad cars either, so provided there's a healthy difference in pricing and marketplace confusion is limited by differing names, we can see it working. If nothing else, it's a fascinating illustration of how broad China's developing auto market really is.

Mazda recalls 1.37 million older vehicles for ignition switch short [UPDATE]

UPDATE: Mazda has confirmed to Autoblog that NHTSA's figures and list of effected models are accurate. Mazda is recalling 1,368,500 older vehicles in the US that date as far back as the late '80s because a potential short circuit in the ignition switch could cause a fire. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the models include: 1990-1995 323 1993-1998 626 1993-1995 929 1989-1998 MPV 1993-1997 MX-6 1992-1993 MX-3 1990-1998 Protege Mazda reports that over time the grease around the switch's contact points can carbonize and become conductive, which can eventually lead to a short circuit. In some cases this results in smoke, but it could also lead to a fire. According to company spokesperson Tamara Mlynarczyk to Autoblog, there're no accidents, injuries, or fires in the US. Once the vehicle is running, the potential fault also doesn't affect drivability. Documents from NHTSA (as a PDF), indicate there was a fire in one of these vehicles in Japan in 2002 that could have been linked to this issue. The recall should begin in December. In its announcement of the issue below, Mazda reports 1.2 million vehicles affected and includes the 1990-1996 323/Protege. Autoblog has reached out to the company to understand the discrepancy. Related Video: RECALL Subject : Ignition Switch may Overheat Report Receipt Date: OCT 19, 2015 NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V674000 Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Potential Number of Units Affected: 1,368,500 All Products Associated with this Recall Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s) MAZDA 323 1990-1995 MAZDA 626 1993-1998 MAZDA 929 1993-1995 MAZDA MPV 1989-1998 MAZDA MX-6 1993-1997 MAZDA MX3 1992-1993 MAZDA PROTEGE 1990-1998 Details Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations SUMMARY: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 1989-1998 MPV, 1990-1995 323, 1990-1998 Protege, 1992-1993 MX-3, 1993-1995 929, 1993-1997 MX-6, and 1993-1998 626 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch may become conductive and overheat. CONSEQUENCE: If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire. REMEDY: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 15, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option#6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8715J.

2009-2013 Mazda6 door latch recall covers 161k cars

Mazda is voluntarily recalling 161,400 Mazda6 cars due to door latch mounting screws that may loosen, which could cause a door to open while the vehicle is in motion, thereby increasing the risk of accident or injury. The recall covers 2009 through 2013 Mazda6 models manufactured between February 4, 2008 and August 24, 2012.
The recall is expected to begin by October 18, 2013. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will provide repairs free of charge. Scroll down for the official recall notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.